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- Information systems project success surveys - Insights from the last 30 yearsPublication . Loureiro, Elsa; Gomes, Bruna; Varajão, João; Silva, CândidaInformation Systems (IS) projects have a long history of negative reputation regarding their success. However, studies that report the success of IS projects are generally focused on software development (which is only one of the many types of IS projects). Furthermore, practically no research compares the success achieved in the different types of IS projects and projects from other areas. Aiming to contribute to filling this gap, this paper presents a critical review of surveys that report the success of IS projects and gives essential recommendations for further studies.
- Sustainability and hotel room pricing strategiesPublication . Ferreira, Flávio; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Bode, Oana R.Social welfare in the hospitality industry refers to the overarching efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting the well-being and satisfaction of various stakeholders within the sector. This includes not only guests but also employees, local communities, and the environment. In this paper, we consider two different economic models in the hospitality industry, where one consumer-friendly hotel competes with a for-profit hotel taking decisions on environmental corporate social responsibility and on room rates. Hotels choose environmental corporate social responsibility investments sequentially, and room rates simultaneously. We analyse the impact of their decisions on the social welfare and hotel room pricing strategies and we also do a comparison between the results obtained in both models.
- Learning experiences in the culinary classroom: identifying barriers and enablers in the practical teaching-learning process in gastronomyPublication . Koerich, Guilherme Henrique; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Silva, José António; Catapan, Araci HackGastronomy education is relatively new in the university environment. Practical classes in kitchen laboratories are strategic in development the segment. A practical class demands that students mobilize a wide range of skills, assimilate visual cues, information about products and utensils, and critical points of preparation, in a dynamic process in which, besides cooking, students must also practice teamwork, clean the space, manage several activities, and commit to the deadlines and objectives set by the teacher. There are several gaps highlighed in the literature regarding educational practices in hands-on cooking laboratories. Based on this premise, this research aimed to identify enablers and hindrances to hands-on learning in cooking classes, from the perspective of students, in a higher education institution in Portugal. To reach this goal, a structured questionnaire was applied to students of two higher education programmes in the area. Bardin’s content analysis model (2006) was used to analyze the results. The results indicate that the interaction between teachers and students in all stages of a practical class is fundamental for the success of the teaching-learning process.
- Manufacturing companies industry 4.0 maturity level: a multivariate analysisPublication . Fonseca, Luís Miguel Ciravegna Martins da; Pereira, Teresa; Oliveira, Marisa; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Busu, MihailPurpose: This research investigates Portuguese manufacturing companies' Industry 4.0 (I4.0) maturity perception level and proposes an index to measure that aim. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a survey method to gather the companies' perceptions of their I4.0 maturity level and applies subsequent exploratory factor analysis to propose a global I4.0 measurement index. Findings: The research results show that the most critical factors in evaluating the perception level of I4.0 Perception Maturity (IPM) are strategy, leadership, and customer experiences. The result for the Global Index was 53.50%. Hence, the global Index companies' perception of the level of maturity of I4.0 in Portugal is medium. Research limitations/implications: This study encompasses only Portuguese manufacturing organizations (50 valid responses). Moreover, the research is subject to the limitations of the survey methodology, such as possible respondent bias. Practical implications: The Portuguese I4.0 strategy mainly targets small and medium-sized enterprises through a bottom-up approach. Hence, companies need proper methodologies and tools for evaluating I4.0 adoption, identifying their present situation concerning I4.0 and where to focus on improving the process and achieving the intended benefits. Social implications: This research identifies the main perceived benefits and obstacles of adopting I4.0, suggesting avenues for its successful implementation by the Portuguese companies. Originality/value: This study provides a valuable tool for manufacturing companies to identify the factors that need to be improved to create significant growth in the I4.0 Perception Maturity (IPM) index. Therefore, it can support companies in establishing a roadmap for successful I4.0 adoption and improving their performance and competitive position accordingly.
- Ethical behavior of firms and corruption in the public sector – a cluster analysis of worldwide countriesPublication . Castro, Conceição; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Lopes, CristinaIn countries where corruption is high, there is less incentive for corporate organizations to behave ethically. Ethics, either in the private and public sectors, can be related to the level of economic development, economic freedom, and the quality of governance. The objective of this paper is to analyze the relationship between corporate ethics and corruption in the public sector, to group countries according to these indicators, and investigate the characteristics of these clusters. A hierarchical followed by a K-means cluster analysis was performed to group 127 countries. Non-parametric and post-hoc tests were used to examine the significant differences among clusters in some features. The correlation between the ethical behavior of firms and corruption in the public sector was strong and significant. The cluster analysis led to three significantly different clusters, one formed by countries with high levels of corporate ethics and low corruption and it is composed only by countries with high-income, another with medium levels and finally a group of countries with low levels of corporate ethics and high levels of corruption. The results also suggest significant differences among the clusters in several economic, institutional, and development indicators. Improving these indicators potentially lead to high standards of ethics in the private and public sectors.
- The importance-satisfaction matrix as a strategic tool for Termas de Chaves Thermal Spa priority improvementsPublication . Vaz, Márcia; Fernandes, Paula Odete; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Alves, Maria José; Costa, Vânia; Nunes, AlcinaHealth and wellness tourism has gained increased interest from the public, which searches for spaces that assure health and wellness maintenance. Proof of this is the example of Termas de Chaves thermal spa, which has gradually grown demand for its products and services. In this context, this study aims to identify and analyse the attributes offered by the thermal spa since it is essential to know the customer’s preferences and satisfaction. To this end, dimensions related to the determinants of importance that influence the respondents’ satisfaction were evaluated. A questionnaire survey was applied on-site from 09 August to 20 December 2021, obtaining a total sample of 225 participants. After data collection, the importance-satisfaction matrix was applied for exploratory, descriptive analysis. The results show that customers give high overall importance and satisfaction to the attributes under study. Moreover, it was possible to identify that the factor “availability and assistance provided by human resources” presents high importance but low satisfaction. Such a conclusion indicates that it will be necessary to adapt improvement strategies to increase customer satisfaction.
- Thermal tourism: study of the profile and motivations of the practitioner in PortugalPublication . Loureiro, Isabel Sofia; Gomes, Helena; Costa, Vânia; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Pereira, Raquel; Nunes, AlcinaHealth and wellness tourism had a growing interest in the Portuguese population until 2019. However, with the appearance of Covid-19, several establishments had to close over these two years, this segment being one of the most affected areas. Many water users looked forward to the opening of the spa resorts to continue their treatments. Given the importance of this theme, this work has as its main goal the definition of a consumer profile and to identify the determinants of satisfaction of the thermal tourists, as well as to gauge the degree of knowledge of thermal tourism and specifically of spas in the Portuguese context. In methodological terms, a questionnaire survey was conducted among the tourists to achieve the research objectives. The results show a younger, healthier and diversified thermal tourism practitioner. It also reveals similarities with other profile and motivations studies. However, it is possible to notice a few differences. Practitioners are seeking a combination of a leisure and health dimension and valorise factors such as location and access of the establishments, quality of the services provided and rest and tranquillity. An issue regarding their length of stay has been identified. As they are locals and live in the same country as the thermal spa, most respondents do not stay overnight at the destination. In the future, it would be interesting to research product development and market strategies for diversified thermal practitioners.
- Sustainable practices in daily life and in the context of tourismPublication . Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Liberato, Dália; Lima, Ana Sofia; Fernandes, Paula OdeteThe concern and desire to follow sustainable practices is increasing, which makes tourists take this into account when choosing a tourism destination. The general objective of this paper is to analyze the di erence between tourists' sustainable behavior in their daily lives and in the context of tourism. To answer the objectives of this study, we opted for a quantitative methodological approach since this research aims to study population behavior, opinions, and values. The results suggest that although in their daily lives' individuals adopt sustainable practices, sometimes it doesn't happen in the context of tourism. It was veri ed that if individuals felt they had the resources to adopt sustainable practices in the context of tourism, they would more often do so. Also, word of mouth, the perceived image of the destination, and guest reviews positively in uence the intention to visit a destination that adopts sustainable practices. This study helps to recognize the sustainable practices most frequently adopted, those that do not present di erences in the two contexts, and nally, the tools considered most important in the decision to visit a sustainable tourism destination.
- Licensing by fixed-fee and two-part tariff in a differentiated Stackelberg model when the follower is the innovatorPublication . Ferreira, Flávio; Bode, Oana R.In the present paper we consider a differentiated-good Stackelberg model, when the follower firm engages in an R & D process that gives an endogenous cost-reducing innovation. The aim is two-fold: the first is to study the case when there is a technology transfer between the innovator and the non-innovator firm based on a fixed-fee licensing contract, and the second is to study the case when there is a technology transfer between the innovator and the non-innovator firm based on a two-part tariff licensing contract. The main result of the paper is that the degree of the differentiation of the goods is the key factor in the decisions of the innovator firm, influencing its licensing strategy. In particular, we find that for the innovator firm is better a fixed-fee or a two-part tariff licensing contract than no-licensing, even if the innovation is drastic. In the case of a fixed-fee licensing, the main variables of this duopoly model increase with the differentiation of the goods all the time. It turns out that in the case of a two-part tariff licensing, this conclusion does not fit all the time. The findings of this paper extend the literature on contract auctions when the innovating firm has different options for licensing its innovation.
- Outdoor tourism demand segmentation: a case study from North of PortugalPublication . Scalabrini, Elaine; Correia, Alexandra; Nunes, Alcina; Veloso, Cláudia; Vieira, Elvira; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Silva, Goretti; Fonseca, Manuel; Carrança, Paulo; Santos, Sónia; Fernandes, Paula OdeteThis research aimed to segment the market of visitors who practise outdoor activities in the North region of Portugal based on their motivations. An online survey was conducted between June to September of 2021, with a sample of 200 tourists who realised the region's outdoor activities during this period. The data collected allowed determining factor analysis and the clusters. Two factors: services/hospitality and nature experiences, and three clusters: soft practitioners, radicals, and enthusiasts were delimited. The results show that these groups differ in motivations and practised activities. Segmentation of outdoor tourism demand in North of Portugal should set out marketing and promotion strategies in different destinations, attracting demand from outside the region, and according to their preferences.